Technical Apprentice Review

My job role depends on the placement I am in at the time. We do 3 month placements in different departments around the company. Right now I am in the mechanical drawing department where I produce 3d models of components and turn these into technical drawings. I have worked in other departments such as hardware testing, integration lab, environmental testing and working with the main hardware equipment.

I have learnt a large variety of skills such as how to design circuits through to actually buying the components and physically putting the circuit together. Using skills such as soldering and using basic hand tools. I have learned how to model components in a 3d modelling program. I have also learned how to test products in a variety of ways from electronically to environmentally.

I enjoy my programme fully and every day is a new exciting learning experience.

I feel very valued as we are the next upcoming engineers to help the company, everyone who works here is more than welcoming and willing to help. A lot of them were apprentices themselves!

The programme follows a very good structure, starting off with 4 months full time at college learning basic hand tools skills and other core skills. Then it develops into 3 month placements around the factory until just before the final year where you choose one that you will eventually move into.

A lot, in college we get a lot of time and support from the teachers.

We get a lot of reviews and managers always check up on our progress to make sure we are OK. If we are not a lot of support is given to keep us on track.

The salary is very good in this apprenticeship scheme and it goes up every year. As I no longer live with my parents my costs are higher than most others but after setting a budget I am fine.

A lot of apprentice activities are organised outside of work, that can be from helping out at events such as the Edinburgh marathon, having a charity quiz night, teambuilding events like paintball or just a plain old night out with all the team.

Yes

Because this scheme is a great way to gain a qualification while getting paid and also gaining a lot of experience from the vast bank of knowledge the employees hold.

Come to the interview smiling and enthusiastic, don't be afraid to speak in the team sections and sell yourself as best you can.